Hosted Camera Remote Control

ABSTRACT

A motion capture system includes motion capture cameras positioned in various locations and orientations with respect to a motion capture volume. The motion capture system includes a host computing device that is operatively coupled with the motion capture cameras. The host computing device remotely controls operation of the motion capture cameras to record movement within the motion capture volume. At least one of the motion capture cameras includes a user-interface that is operable by a user to remotely initiate a control operation of the host computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/189,393, filed Jul. 22, 2011, entitled “Hosted Camera RemoteControl,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Motion capture systems typically employ multiple cameras to track andcapture movement of objects in a motion capture volume (e.g., markersaffixed to an actor's clothing or body). Typically, the cameras in thesesystems are completely host-controlled, in the sense that there are nolocal controls whatsoever on the cameras themselves. The only actionthat is taken locally at a camera is the installation of the camera(e.g., on a scaffolding or other frame/support structure) and aiming ofthe camera with respect to the capture volume. All other control andconfiguration is conducted via a user interface at a host computingdevice.

One problem with the absence of on-camera controls is that the aimingoperation can be difficult and may involve trial and error to achieveappropriate coverage of the capture volume. Often an operator will needto shuttle back and forth between the host computing device and thecamera (or cameras) in order to accurately aim all of the cameras. Forexample, the operator may be positioned up on a ladder at the camera toaim the camera to an approximate orientation. Then the operator wouldneed to descend the ladder and go back to the host computing device toview an image of the camera's view of the capture volume resulting fromthe camera's orientation for positioning feedback. If the orientationwas undesirable, the operator would have to return to the camera'slocation and adjust the orientation, then return to the host computingdevice to view the positioning feedback, and so on until a desiredcamera orientation was achieved. Furthermore, upon achieving a desiredorientation for one camera, the operator would have to return to thehost computing device to switch the camera view presented by the hostcomputing device to the next camera for positioning feedback of the nextcamera.

Repeatedly shuttling back and forth between the host computing deviceand each camera to view positioning feedback or switch between differentcamera views or perform other tasks is tedious, particularly for motioncapture configurations that include a large number of cameras. Moreover,in some configurations, it is difficult to identify which camera isassociated with a camera view that is selected for display at the hostcomputing device without adding additional identifying marking on eachcamera or performing additional calibration procedures, which onlyincrease the time and complexity of the aiming process.

Furthermore, a given camera may be in an undesired operating mode, suchas in a scene mode during a calibration or aim adjustment, instead of amarker-tracking mode, for example. Also, a frame rate and/or viewingsize window may need to be adjusted to perform calibration or aimingoperations. Further still, a focus of the camera may need to beperformed at the camera and assessed at the host computing device. Ingeneral, the need for the operator to be periodically at the cameralocation and the host computing device location creates numerous issuesthat can significantly complicate configuration and operation of themotion capture system.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a motion capture system includes motion capturecameras positioned in various locations and orientations with respect toa motion capture volume. The motion capture system includes a hostcomputing device that is operatively coupled with the motion capturecameras. The host computing device remotely controls operation of themotion capture cameras to record movement within the motion capturevolume. At least one of the motion capture cameras includes auser-interface that is operable by a user to remotely initiate a controloperation of the host computing device.

By providing a user interface on the motion capture camera that remotelyinitiates control of the host computing device in response to receivinguser input, the host computing device can be at least partiallycontrolled from the location of the motion capture camera. This remotecontrol functionality may reduce multiple trips to the host computingdevice to adjust camera settings, change operating modes, switch betweenviews from different cameras that are displayed by the host computingdevice or a feedback monitor, etc. In this way, the amount of timeneeded to setup and calibrate motion capture cameras in a motion capturesystem may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a motion capture systemaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a host-controlled motioncapture camera and user interface.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a method for controlling a host computingdevice.

FIG. 4 shows a display device presenting a camera view of each of aplurality of motion capture cameras.

FIG. 5 shows a display device presenting an enlarged camera view of aselected motion capture camera.

FIG. 6 shows a display device presenting a scene mode of a motioncapture camera.

FIG. 7 shows a display device presenting a tracking view mode of amotion

FIG. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a motion capture systemaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is related to setup and calibration of motioncapture cameras in a motion capture system. More particularly, thepresent disclosure is related to remotely initiating control of a hostcomputing device that controls operation of a plurality of motioncapture cameras from a motion capture camera. In particular, such remoteinitiation of control of the host computing device reduces shuttlingback and forth between the host computing device and motion capturecameras during setup and calibration of the motion capture system. Inthis way, the process of setting up and calibrating the motion capturesystem may be made less tedious and labor intensive and may be achievedin a shorter period of time.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a motion capture system 100 according tothe present disclosure. The motion capture system 100 comprises aplurality of motion capture cameras 102 that are positioned with respectto a scene 104. Each of the plurality of motion capture cameras 102 isoperatively coupled to and remotely controllable by a host computingdevice 120 to record movement of markers 106 within a motion capturevolume 110 of the scene 104. Each of the plurality of motion capturecameras are controlled by the host computing device 120. In other words,the host computing device 120 sends control commands to the plurality ofmotion capture cameras 102 to control operation of the plurality ofmotion capture cameras 102.

The motion capture system 100 may be setup so that each of the pluralityof cameras 102 has a different location and orientation in a motioncapture space to capture a different vantage point of the scene 104.More particularly, the plurality of cameras 102 may be configured tocollectively detect the capture volume 110 of the scene 104. The capturevolume 110 is defined as a three dimensional (3D) space collectivelyviewed by the plurality of cameras 102 in which the scene 104 and/ormarkers 106 are detectable.

It will be appreciated that setup of the plurality of motion cameras,definition the capture volume, and camera calibration may be performedin virtually any suitable manner. For example, various different typesof reference markers may be used to create data points for interpolationof intrinsic and extrinsic properties of each camera. As anotherexample, various different patterns may be used to create data points,such as a grid or checkerboard pattern.

The markers 106 may be associated with a moving body 108 located in thescene 104. The markers 106 may be identified in order to track motion ofthe moving body 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the moving body 108takes the form of a person and the markers 106 correspond to differentjoints or points of motion of the person. The position of the markers106 may be detected by the plurality of cameras 102 and resulting markerposition data is sent from the plurality of motion capture cameras 102to the host computing device 120. The position of the markers 106correspond to movement of the person which may be mapped by the hostcomputing device 120 to a 3D model for computer animation.

Note the moving body may include any suitable object or collection ofobjects whose position and/or movement is tracked using markers that arefixed relative to the moving body. For example, the moving body mayinclude a face, a person, a group of people, etc. Moreover, any suitablenumber of markers may be employed on a moving body to suitably trackmovement of the moving body. In some cases, the moving body may includean object that does not move, but which is still tracked as a point ofreference in the scene.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of a motion capture camera 200 thatmay be used in a motion capture system such as the motion capture system100 of FIG. 1. The motion capture camera 200 may include a light source204 that is configured to outwardly direct light in a direction that issubstantially coaxially aligned with an axis extending perpendicularlyoutward from an image sensor 216. Since the light source issubstantially coaxially aligned with the motion capture camera 200,incident light from the light source 204 is reflected by passive markers(e.g., markers 106 shown in FIG. 1) back to the image sensor 216 so thatlight received at the image sensor 216 from the passive markers appearsenhanced relative to light received from other positions/directions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 204 takes the form of alight emitting diode (LED) ring that surrounds a lens 206 of the motioncapture camera 200. The LED ring 204 may be selectively illuminated toadjust a signal-to-noise ratio of an image detected by the motioncapture camera 200. Specifically, the LED ring 204 may be illuminated toincrease the noise floor of the signal-to-noise ratio to increase thebrightness of passive markers relative to other objects in the scene inorder to more easily identify the markers.

In some embodiments, the light source 204 may provide infrared (IR)light that is not visible so as not to distract performers in thecapture volume. However, it will be appreciated that any suitablewavelength of light may be used to illuminate a motion capture space. Inembodiments where active markers are employed, the light source 204 maybe omitted from the motion capture camera 200 or may remain turned offso as not to interfere with capture of the active markers.

In some embodiments, the motion capture camera 200 includes a filterswitcher assembly 202 that is operable to switch the motion capturecamera 200 between a marker-tracking mode and a scene mode. In themarker-tracking mode, the motion capture camera 200 enhances light froma scene to a greater extent than in the scene mode in order to moreeasily detect the position of markers over other objects in the scene.For example, in the marker-tracking mode, the motion capture camera 200may be configured to detect a scene at a signal-to-noise ratio that isdifferent than the signal-to-noise ratio used during the scene mode. Forexample, the signal-to-noise ratio may be increased so that lightreflected from markers is enhanced greater than other objects in thescene. On the other hand, in the scene mode, the signal-to-noise ratiomay be set to a level that approximates normal video recording whereelements of the scene are substantially not skewed through lightenhancement or other methods. In other words, the brightness of markers106 may be enhanced to a lesser extent or not at all relative to otherelements of the scene.

The filter switcher assembly 202 includes the lens 206, amarker-tracking optical filter 208, a scene-view optical component 210,a switching mechanism 212, an imager 214, and an image sensor 216. Thelens 206 may be configured to modify light entering the motion capturecamera 200. For example, the lens 206 may focus light towards the imager214 and/or image sensor 216. Depending on the mode of operation of themotion capture camera 200, light modified by lens 206 may pass throughthe marker-tracking optical filter 208 or the scene-view opticalcomponent 210.

The marker-tracking optical filter 208 may be positioned between thelens 206 and the image sensor 216 during the marker-tracking mode toenhance light from markers on a moving body in the motion capture space.In the illustrated embodiment, the marker-tracking optical filter 208 isan IR-pass filter configured to pass IR light to the imager 214 andblock visible and ultraviolet light. The IR-pass filter may be used inconjunction with the IR-LED ring to enhance the appearance of passive IRmarkers during the marker-tracking mode. The marker-tracking opticalfilter 208 may include any suitable filter that selectively enhanceslight at a selected wavelength and/or range of wavelengths. Examplemarker-tracking optical filters may include high-pass, low-pass, andband-pass filters that are configured to transmit (or omit) selectedwavelengths of light.

The scene-view optical component 210 may be positioned between the lens206 and the image sensor 216 during the scene mode to enhance light fromthe markers on the moving body in the motion capture space to a lesserextent than in the marker-tracking mode. In other words, the scene viewoptical component may be configured to pass light from markers, themoving body, and non-marker objects in the scene to the image sensor sothat substantially everything in the motion capture space may becaptured in the scene view. In some embodiments, the scene view opticalcomponent may enhance light (e.g., pass/omit) at a different wavelengthor range of wavelengths than the marker-tracking optical component. Insome embodiments, the scene-view optical component may inverselycorrespond to the marker-tracking optical filter. For example, if themarker-tracking optical filter is an IR-pass filter then the scene-viewoptical component may be an IR-cut filter. In some embodiments, thescene-view optical component may be clear (e.g., glass) so as not tofilter or substantially enhance light received from the lens.

The switching mechanism 212 is actuatable to positionally interchangethe marker-tracking optical filter 208 and the scene-view opticalcomponent 210 relative to the image sensor 216. As such, themarker-tracking optical filter 208 and the scene-view optical component210 may be alternately switched to a position in which light modified bylens 206 passes through the filter or the component to the image sensor216 based on the mode of operation of the motion capture camera.Specifically, during the marker-tracking mode, the marker-trackingoptical filter 208 is positioned between the lens 206 and the imagesensor 216 and the scene-view optical component 210 is positioned so asnot to modify light received at the image sensor. Likewise, during thescene mode, the scene-view optical component 210 is positioned betweenthe lens 206 and the image sensor 216 and the marker-tracking opticalfilter 208 is positioned so as not to modify light received at the imagesensor. The switching mechanism 212 may include any suitable actuatingmechanism. For example, the switching mechanism may include a solenoidthat is actuated to positionally interchange the marker-tracking opticalfilter and the scene-view optical component by a controller 220 of themotion capture camera 200.

The imager 214 may be configured to detect light intensity in the formof electromagnetic radiation that may be spatially resolved in an arrayof pixels of the imager 214. The image sensor 216 may be configured tocreate image data indicative of an image detected by the imager 214 byconverting the electrical charge of each pixel of the imager 214 to avoltage as each pixel is read from the image sensor 216. In someembodiments, the imager may be included in the image sensor. When themotion capture camera 200 is placed in a motion capture setting, theimage sensor 216 may be configured to receive incident light from acapture volume and thereby generate an image of the capture volume.

The motion capture camera 200 may include a controller 220 that includesa processor and memory/data storage that holds executable instructionsfor controlling the motion capture camera 200. The controller 220 mayinclude any suitable micro-processor or the like. The controller 220 isconfigured to switch between different operating modes and adjustvarious operating parameters. For example, the controller 220 may beconfigured to switch to the marker-tracking mode by controlling theswitching mechanism 212 to position the marker-tracking optical filter208 to relatively enhance light from the markers received at the imagesensor 216. Correspondingly, during the marker tracking-mode, thecontroller 220 may adjust various operating parameters of the motioncapture camera to enhance light received from the markers. For example,the controller may reduce the exposure time and/or increase the framerate to enhance the brightness of markers relative to other objects inthe scene. Further, the controller 220 may perform marker-trackinganalysis operations, such as brightness thresholding or markerinterpolation to identify a position of the markers in the scene.

Furthermore, during the scene mode, the controller 220 controls theswitching mechanism 212 to position the scene-view optical component toenhance light from the markers received at the image sensor 216 to alesser extent than in the marker-tracking mode. Correspondingly, duringthe scene mode, the controller 220 may adjust various operatingparameters of the motion capture camera to enhance light from themarkers to a lesser extent than in the marker-tracking mode. Forexample, the controller may increase the exposure time and/or decreasethe frame rate to allow more light to reach the imager in order to forman image where the markers as well as other objects in the scene arevisible and substantially not skewed. Note any suitable motion capturecamera operating parameter may be adjusted when switching betweenmarker-tracking mode and scene mode.

In some embodiments, the controller 220 may execute preprogrammed macrofunctions when switching between operating modes that automaticallyadjust hardware and software functionality of the motion capture camera.For example, executing a marker-tracking mode macro function may commandactuation of the switching mechanism as well as adjustment of theexposure time and frame rate. Accordingly, switching between modes canbe performed quickly without numerous individual adjustments that wouldconsume time during a motion capture session.

The communication link 218 may enable the motion capture camera 200 tobe operatively coupled with a host computing system. The communicationlink 218 may be a wired or wireless link. In some embodiments, thecommunication link may include a communication port that accepts atransmission wire. In some embodiments, the communication link mayinclude a transceiver. The controller 220 may send image data to thecomputing device for image analysis and/or storage via the communicationlink 218. In some embodiments, the controller 220 may remotely initiatea control operation of the host computing device by sending the controloperation through the communication link 218.

In some embodiments, the motion capture camera 200 may be controlledremotely from a host computing system. For example, the host computingsystem may send control signals to switch between operating modes and/oradjust operating parameters. Accordingly, the controller 220 may beoperable to receive a control operation from a host computing device andadjust operation of the motion capture camera 200 in accordance with thereceived control operation. For example, the controller 220 may receivea control operation from a host computing device that commands themotion capture camera to record movement within a motion capture volume,and the controller 220 may adjust operating parameters of the motioncapture camera 200 to comply with the control operation and may sendresulting image data to the host computing device. In some embodiments,the motion capture camera 200 may be host-controlled, in the sense thatthere are no controls on the camera itself that initiates a controloperation to the camera itself. Instead, control operations are receivedfrom a host computing device.

As discussed above, in some cases, it may be advantageous to remotelyinitiate a control operation of a host computing device from thelocation of a motion capture camera, such as during setup, calibration,or the like. Accordingly, the motion capture camera 200 may include auser interface 222 that is user operable to remotely initiate a controloperation of a host computing device via user input to or manipulationof the user interface 222. In particular, the user interface 222 enablesa user to provide control input that causes a control signal to be sentto a host computing device that is operatively coupled with the motioncapture camera 200. In response to receiving the control signal, thehost computing device performs a control operation that corresponds tothe control signal.

In some cases, the control operation causes the host computing device toadjust a setting or mode at the host computing device. For example, thecontrol operation may cause the host computing device to display a viewof the capture volume from the motion capture camera that initiated thecontrol operation on a display device operatively coupled with the hostcomputing device. As a particular example, the control operation maycause the host computing device to display a view of the capture volumefrom the motion capture camera that initiated the control operation on adisplay device operatively coupled with the host computing device. Theview may facilitate aiming the motion capture camera by the user duringsetup.

In some cases, the control operation causes the host computing device toadjust an operating parameter, setting, or mode of the motion capturecamera that initiated the control signal. For example, the controloperation may cause the host computing device to adjust a frame rate ofthe motion capture camera that initiated the control operation. Asanother example, the control operation may cause the host computingdevice to change an operating mode of the motion capture camera thatinitiated the control operation.

In some cases, the control operation causes the host computing device toadjust a setting or mode of a motion capture camera other than themotion capture camera that initiated the control signal. For example,the control operation may cause the host computing device to place themotion capture camera that initiated the control operation in a firstoperating mode and one or more other motion capture cameras in a secondoperating mode different from the first operating mode. In oneparticular example, a control operation may cause the host computingdevice to place the motion capture camera that initiated the controloperation in a scene mode and place the other motion capture cameras ina marker tracking mode. As another example, a control operation maycause the host computing device to increase the frame rate of the motioncapture camera that initiated the control operation and decrease theframe rate of the other motion capture cameras.

It will be appreciated that the user interface 222 may be used by a userto remotely initiate any suitable control operation that is executableby a host computing device from the location of the motion capturecamera 200. Example control operations include selecting a view from amotion capture camera for display on a display device, increasing ormaximizing a view from a designated motion capture camera relative toviews from other motion capture cameras on a display device, changing anoperating mode of a designated motion capture camera (e.g., scene mode,marker-tracking mode, etc.) adjusting an operating parameter of adesignated motion capture camera (e.g., a focus, a frame rate, exposurelevel a signal-to-noise ratio, etc.). In some cases, a control operationmay have macro functionality that causes a plurality of operations to besequentially or simultaneously performed. For example, a single controloperation that is remotely initiated from a motion capture camera maycause a host computing device to display a camera view from that motioncapture camera on a display device (e.g., feedback monitor), change theexposure level of that motion capture camera to better view the cameraview on the feedback monitor, and change the operating mode of thatmotion capture to make the camera view more visible for aiming purposes.By remotely initiating a control operation at the host computing devicefrom the motion capture camera location, multiple trips to the hostcomputer to adjust camera settings may be eliminated. Accordingly, themotion capture camera aiming and setup process may be sped up.

The user interface 222 may take any suitable form that enables a user toprovide input to remotely initiate a control operation at a hostcomputing device. In one embodiment, the user interface 222 includes adepressible button 226. The depressible button 226 is depressible toinitiate a function or a control operation at the host computing device.In other words, in response to actuation of the depressible button 226by a user, the motion capture camera 200 sends a control signal to thehost computing device to initiate a control operation. In someembodiments, the depressible button 226 is a multi-state actuator thatcan be placed in different states to initiate different functions orcontrol operations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a single tapof the depressible button 226 may initiate a first function and a doubletap of the depressible button 226 in quick succession may initiate asecond function that is different from the first function. In oneparticular example, the single tap initiates a control operation thatswitches the motion capture camera 200 between the marker-tracking modeand the scene mode, and the double tap initiates a control operationthat adjusts a focus of the motion capture camera 200. As yet anotherexample, the depressible button 226 may be placed in a third state byholding the depressible button down for a designated duration toinitiate a third function, such as a reset function that reloads controloperations received from the host computing device.

In another embodiment, the user interface 222 includes a selector wheel228. The selector wheel 228 is rotatable to initiate a function or acontrol operation at the host computing device. In other words, inresponse to rotation of the selector wheel 228 to a designated positionby a user, the motion capture camera 200 sends a control signal to thehost computing device to initiate a control operation. In someembodiments, the selector wheel 228 is a multi-state selector that canbe rotated to different positions to initiate different functions orcontrol operations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the selectorwheel may be rotated clockwise to a first position to initiate a firstfunction and may be rotated counterclockwise to a second position toinitiate a second function that is different from the first function. Inone particular example, the selector wheel 228 is rotatable to a firstposition to set an exposure level for capture of a scene and rotatableto a second position to set a masking region for the scene. It will beappreciated that the selector wheel may be rotated to any suitablenumber of positions to initiate any suitable number of different controloperations.

In some embodiments, the motion capture camera 200 includes an indicator224 that is configured to provide user-perceivable feedback in responseto a state change of the motion capture camera 200. In some embodiments,the indicator 224 may be activated by a control operation from the hostcomputing device. In some embodiments, the indicator 224 may beactivated in response to locally detecting a state change of the motioncapture camera 200. A state change may include a change in operatingmode, an adjustment of an operating parameter, a selection of a viewfrom the motion capture camera for display on a display device, etc. Insome embodiments, the indicator 224 may provide visual feedback that isperceivable by a user. For example, the indicator 224 may include alight emitting diode that lights up to indicate the motion capturecamera 200 is selected or that a task is accomplished. In someembodiments, the indicator 224 may provide audio feedback that isperceivable by a user. For example, the indicator 224 may include aspeaker that emits a “beep” or other noise to indicate a change inoperating mode or an operating parameter adjustment.

It will be appreciated that the above described motion capture cameraconfiguration is an exemplary embodiment and other embodiments ofcameras, user interfaces, filters, and/or optical components may beimplemented in the motion capture system without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. For example, a filter, opticalcomponent, and/or filter switcher assembly may be attached externally toa camera instead of being integrated into the camera. In someembodiments, at least some filtering may be performed via imageprocessing software executable by the controller or the host computingsystem in addition to or instead of mechanical filters and othersoftware on-board the motion capture camera. As another example, theuser interface may be remotely coupled to the motion capture camera,such as a remote control device.

Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment of the motion capturecamera is employed in a passive marker setting, it will be appreciatedthat the motion capture camera and related methods and applications maybe employed in an active marker setting. Thus, in some embodiments, thelight source may be omitted from the motion capture camera, and lightmay instead be produced by the active markers. In some cases, the lightsource of the motion capture camera may remain turned off during motioncapture in an active marker setting to not interfere with light producedby the active markers.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 forcontrolling a host computing device operatively coupled to a pluralityof motion capture cameras. In one example, the method 300 may beperformed in a motion-capture system where all cameras arehost-controlled by the host computing device. The method 300 isexecutable, for example, by the host computing device 120 shown inFIG. 1. At 302, the method 300 includes receiving a first controloperation remotely initiated by user input to a user interface of afirst motion capture camera. The first motion capture camera is one of aplurality of motion capture cameras that are operatively coupled withthe host computing device. The control operation is remotely initiatedby the user interface in response to receiving user input to the userinterface. For example, the user may actuate a depressible button of theuser interface to remotely initiate the control operation at the firstmotion capture camera.

At 304, the method 300 includes adjusting a state of the first motioncapture camera in accordance with the control operation. The controloperation may cause the state of the first motion capture camera tochange in any suitable manner. For example, adjusting the state mayinclude adjusting a focus of the first motion capture camera. As anotherexample, adjusting the state may include adjusting a frame rate of thefirst motion capture camera. As yet another example, adjusting the statemay include changing an operating mode of the first motion capturecamera. More particularly, changing the operating mode may includephysically interchanging an optical component positioned in a light pathupstream of an image sensor of the motion capture camera that initiatedthe control operation (e.g., changing from scene mode to marker-trackingmode).

In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting another motioncapture camera in addition to the first motion capture camera inaccordance with the control operation. For example, the controloperation that prompts the host computing device to change the operatingmode of the first motion capture camera may also prompt the hostcomputing device to change an operating mode of the other motion capturecameras differently than the operating mode of the first motion capturecamera. In other words, a single control operation may cause multiplemotion capture cameras to change operating modes or adjust othersettings differently or the same.

At 306, the method 300 includes receiving a second control operationremotely initiated by user input to a user interface of a second motioncapture camera of the plurality of motion capture cameras. For example,the second control operation may be received from the second motioncamera when the user has finished aiming the first motion capture cameraand has started to aim the second motion capture camera.

At 308, the method 300 includes adjusting a state of the second motioncapture camera in accordance with the second control operationdifferently than the first state of the first motion camera. Forexample, adjusting the state of the first motion capture camera mayinclude placing the first motion capture camera in a tracking view modeand adjusting the state of the second motion capture camera may includeplacing the second motion capture camera in a scene mode.

At 310, the method 300 includes receiving a second control operationremotely initiated by a user interface of the first motion capturecamera of the plurality of motion capture cameras. The second controloperation may be different than the first control operation receivedfrom the first motion capture camera. For example, the first controloperation may adjust a state of the first motion capture camera, whereasas the second control operation may adjust a state of the host computingdevice (or a device coupled to the host computing device).

At 312, the method 300 includes displaying a view of the capture volumefrom the first motion capture camera. The view may be displayed on adisplay device that is operatively coupled to the host computing device,such as a feedback monitor. In some cases, displaying the view of thecapture volume from the first motion capture camera may includeenlarging the view relative to views from other motion capture camerasthat are displayed on the display device. In one particular example, theview of the first motion capture camera is maximized and the views fromthe other motion capture cameras are reduced or minimized.

The method 300 may be performed to eliminate multiple trips betweenmotion capture cameras and the host computing device to adjust motioncapture camera settings or the like. Instead, control operations can beinitiated from different camera locations to control the host computingdevice remotely. Accordingly, the camera aiming process may be made lesstedious, labor intensive, and time consuming.

FIGS. 4-5 show views from different motion capture cameras that may bedisplayed on a display device 400 by a host computing device in responseto control operations that are remotely initiated from a motion controlcamera. FIG. 4 shows the display device 400 presenting a camera view ofeach of a plurality of motion capture cameras of a motion capturesystem. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion capture systemincludes six different cameras. Each of the views from the differentmotion capture cameras may be displayed simultaneously in order for auser to judge the overlap between views to determine a capture volume ofa scene. In one example, the control operation that generates thisdisplay state is a “display all camera views” operation that isinitiated by a user via actuation of a depressible button on one of theplurality of motion capture cameras. In response to actuation of thedepressible button, a control signal is sent from the motion capturecamera to the host computing device. In response to receiving thecontrol signal, the host computing device adjusts the state of thedisplay device in accordance with a control operation that correspondsto the control signal.

FIG. 5 shows the display device 400 presenting an enlarged camera viewof a selected motion capture camera. The selected camera view isenlarged relative to the views of other motion capture cameras in themotion capture system. The selected camera view may be enlarged relativeto the other views in order for a user to more easily see that view fromthe selected camera for aiming purposes. In one example, the controloperation that generates this display state is a “display selectedcamera view” operation that is initiated by a user via actuation of adepressible button on one of the plurality of motion capture cameras. Inresponse to actuation of the depressible button, a control signal issent from the motion capture camera to the host computing device. Inresponse to receiving the control signal, the host computing deviceadjusts the state of the display device in accordance with a controloperation that corresponds to the control signal. In someimplementations, the control operation may cause a selected camera viewto be maximized on the display device 400. In some implementations, thecontrol operation may cause other views to be minimized.

FIGS. 6-7 show the display device 400 presenting views from a motioncapture camera generated from different operating modes. FIG. 6 showsthe display device 400 presenting a scene view produced by a motioncapture camera operating in scene mode. In the illustrated example, thescene view shows an arena motion capture setup. The scene view providesa clear depiction of a person standing in the capture volume. The sceneview provides a grayscale image of all of the objects in the scene. Insome embodiments, the scene view may be a color image. Further, markersare visible on the person in the scene view. The markers are fixedrelative to moving parts of the person. Since light from the markers isenhanced to a lesser extent in the scene mode relative to amarker-tracking mode the person and other objects in the scene are justas visible as the markers. In other words, in the scene mode the markersare not enhanced anymore than other objects in the scene including theperson.

FIG. 7 shows the display device 400 presenting a marker-tracking viewproduced by a motion capture camera operating in marker-tracking mode.In the illustrated example, the marker-tracking view shows the arenamotion capture setup. The marker-tracking view shows only the markerswithout the other objects in the scene including the person. In theillustrated embodiment, the marker-tracking view is substantially blackand white. However, in some embodiments, the marker-tracking view may bein grayscale or color. Since light from the markers is enhanced duringthe marker-tracking mode, the markers appear more visible than the otherobjects in the scene. In some cases, operating parameters of the motioncapture camera may be adjusted so that non-marker objects in the scenemay be visible, but may appear darker than the light enhanced markers.Furthermore, the marker-tracking view includes a virtual planerepresentative of the ground that is defined during a calibrationprocess so that the markers can be shown in relation to a reference.

In one example, during setup of a motion capture system, and moreparticularly, aiming of a designated motion capture camera, a userprovides input to a user interface of the designated motion capturecamera to switch the operating mode of the designated motion capturecamera from the marker-tracking mode to the scene mode. The user inputto the user interface remotely initiates a control operation at a hostcomputing device that is operatively coupled with the designated motioncapture camera. In particular, a control signal is sent from thedesignated motion capture camera to the host computing device. Inresponse to receiving the control signal, the host computing devicesends a control operation to the designated motion capture camera toswitch operating modes. In this example, the designated motion capturecamera is a host-controlled camera that is controlled by the hostcomputing device. As such, the operating mode switch is commanded by thehost computing device as opposed to being executed directly by thedesignated motion capture camera. The user may remotely initiate theoperating mode switch in order to more easily perceive the view from thedesignated motion capture camera on a feedback monitor. In someimplementations, the control operation that commands the mode switchalso may cause the view of the designated motion capture camera to beautomatically displayed on the display device or enlarged relative toviews from other motion capture cameras.

In some embodiments, the above described methods and processes may betied to a computing system of a motion capture system. As an example,FIG. 8 schematically shows a motion capture system 800 that includes ahost computing system 802 that may perform one or more of the abovedescribed methods and processes. The host computing system 802 includesa processing sub-system 804 memory/data-holding sub-system 806, and adisplay sub-system 808. The host computing system 802 may be operativelycoupled to a plurality of motion capture cameras 812.

The processing sub-system 804 may include one or more physical devicesconfigured to execute one or more instructions. For example, theprocessing sub-system 804 may be configured to execute one or moreinstructions that are part of one or more programs, routines, objects,components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Suchinstructions may be implemented to perform a task, implement a datatype, transform the state of one or more devices, or otherwise arrive ata desired result. The processing sub-system 804 may include one or moreprocessors that are configured to execute software instructions.Additionally or alternatively, the processing sub-system 804 may includeone or more hardware or firmware logic machines configured to executehardware or firmware instructions. The processing sub-system mayoptionally include individual components that are distributed throughouttwo or more devices, which may be remotely located in some embodiments.

Memory/data-holding sub-system 806 may include one or more physicaldevices configured to hold data and/or instructions in the form ofmotion capture application program 810 executable by the processingsub-system to implement the herein described methods and processes. Whensuch methods and processes are implemented, the state ofmemory/data-holding sub-system 806 may be transformed (e.g., to holddifferent data). Memory/data-holding sub-system 806 may includeremovable media and/or built-in devices. Memory/data-holding sub-system806 may include optical memory devices, semiconductor memory devices,and/or magnetic memory devices, among others. Memory/data-holdingsub-system 806 may include devices with one or more of the followingcharacteristics: volatile, nonvolatile, dynamic, static, read/write,read-only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, fileaddressable, and content addressable. In some embodiments, processingsub-system 804 and memory/data-holding sub-system 806 may be integratedinto one or more common devices, such as an application specificintegrated circuit or a system on a chip.

Motion capture application program 810 may be configured to receiveimage data as well as remotely initiated control signals from theplurality of motion capture cameras 812. The motion capture applicationprogram 810 may be configured to send control signals to individuallyand/or collectively control operation of the plurality of motion capturecameras 812 based on the image data and the remotely initiated controlsignals. The motion capture application program may be configured tocreate a marker-tracking view and a scene view from the image datareceived from the plurality of motion capture cameras 812.

Display sub-system 808 may be used to present a visual representation ofdata held by memory/data-holding sub-system 806. As the herein describedmethods and processes change the data held by the memory/data-holdingsubsystem, and thus transform the state of the memory/data-holdingsubsystem, the state of display sub-system 808 may likewise betransformed to visually represent changes in the underlying data.Display sub-system 808 may include one or more display devices utilizingvirtually any type of technology. Such display devices may be combinedwith processing sub-system 804 and/or memory/data-holding sub-system 806in a shared enclosure, or such display devices may be peripheral displaydevices.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments and method implementationsdisclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specificexamples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosureincludes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations ofthe various intake configurations and method implementations, and otherfeatures, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein.

1. A motion capture system comprising: a plurality of motion capturecameras positioned in various locations and orientations with respect toa motion capture volume; a host computing device, operatively coupledwith the plurality of motion capture cameras, to remotely controloperation of the plurality of motion capture cameras to record movementwithin the motion capture volume; and at least one of the plurality ofmotion capture cameras including a user-interface operable by a user toremotely initiate a control operation of the host computing device. 2.The system of claim 1, where the control operation includes displaying aview of the capture volume from the motion capture camera that initiatedthe control operation on a display device operatively coupled with thehost computing device.
 3. The system of claim 2, where the controloperation prompts the host computing device to control the motioncapture camera that initiated the control operation to provide auser-perceivable indication that the view from the motion capture camerais selected for display.
 4. The system of claim 1, where a displaydevice operatively coupled with the host computing device presents aview of the capture volume from each of the plurality of motion capturecameras, and the control operation includes enlarging the view of thecapture volume from the motion capture camera that initiated the controloperation relative to the views from the other motion capture cameras.5. The system of claim 1, where the control operation prompts the hostcomputing device to adjust a state of the motion capture camera thatinitiated the control operation.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereadjusting the state includes adjusting a focus of the motion capturecamera that initiated the control operation.
 7. The system of claim 5,where adjusting the state includes adjusting a frame rate of the motioncapture camera that initiated the control operation.
 8. The system ofclaim 5, where adjusting the state includes changing an operating modeof the motion capture camera that initiated the control operation. 9.The system of claim 8, where changing the operating mode includesphysically interchanging an optical component positioned in a light pathupstream of an image sensor of the motion capture camera that initiatedthe control operation.
 10. The system of claim 8, where the controloperation that prompts the host computing device to change the operatingmode of the motion capture camera that initiated the control operationalso prompts the host computing device to change an operating mode ofthe other motion capture cameras differently than the operating mode ofthe motion capture camera that initiated the control operation.
 11. Amotion capture camera apparatus comprising: an image sensor configuredto receive incident light from a capture volume and thereby generate animage of the capture volume; a controller, operable to receive a controloperation from a host computing device to record movement within thecapture volume; and a user interface operable by a user to remotelyinitiate a control operation of the host computing device.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, where the control operation prompts the hostcomputing device to adjust a state of the motion capture cameraapparatus.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, where adjusting the stateincludes at least one of adjusting a focus of the motion capture cameraapparatus, adjusting a frame rate of the motion capture cameraapparatus, and changing an operating mode of the motion capture cameraapparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, where the user interfaceinclude a multi-state actuator, the multi-state actuator adjustable to afirst state to remotely initiate a first control operation of the hostcomputing device and adjustable to a second state to remotely initiate asecond control operation of the host computing device different from thefirst control operation.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, where themulti-state actuator includes a depressible button, where the firststate includes a single tap of the depressible button, and where thesecond state includes a double tap of the depressible button.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14, where the multi-state actuator includes aselector wheel, where the first state includes rotating the selectorwheel to a first position, and where the second state includes rotatingthe selector wheel to a second position different from the firstposition.
 17. A method for controlling a host computing deviceoperatively coupled to a plurality of motion capture cameras,comprising: receiving a first control operation remotely initiated byuser input to a user interface of a first motion capture camera of theplurality of motion capture cameras; and adjusting a state of the firstmotion capture camera in accordance with the first control operation.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving a secondcontrol operation remotely initiated by user input to a user interfaceof a second motion capture camera of the plurality of motion capturecameras; and adjusting a state of the second motion capture camera inaccordance with the second control operation differently than the stateof the first motion camera.
 19. The method of claim 18, where adjustingthe state of the first motion capture camera includes placing the firstmotion capture camera in a tracking view mode and adjusting the state ofthe second motion capture camera includes placing the second motioncapture camera in a scene mode.
 20. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: receiving a second control operation remotely initiated byuser input to the user interface of the first motion capture camera ofthe plurality of motion capture cameras; and displaying a view of thecapture volume from the first motion capture camera.